Brady Skjei was born March 26, 1994 in Lakeville, Minnesota. The big defenceman was selected in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers and would go on to attend the University of Minnesota.

Upon completing his third collegiate season, Skjei signed with the Rangers and joined the club's AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, for the final eight regular season games and 15 post-season games.

Skjei spent the majority of his first professional season with the Wolf Pack, appearing in 68 games for the club, scoring four times and adding 24 assists. His strong play at both ends of the ice was rewarded as he made his NHL debut on December 15, 2015. He would go on to appear in seven games for the Rangers during the 2015-16 season. In his first full season in the NHL in 2016-17, Skjei recorded 34 assists, the second highest output for a rookie defenceman.

On the international stage Skjei has represented the United States on numerous occasions including helping his homeland to gold at the 2012 World U18 Championship and to a fourth place finish at the 2016 World Championship.